Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/375862
GoldanDBlack express • volume 25, express 2 • 13 matchup preview: purdue vs. central michigan advantage? purdue paSSing game vS. central michigan paSS deFenSe player to watch advantage? Purdue's coming off a game in which it didn't turn the ball over and didn't allow a sack but also didn't exactly leave the whole playbook on the field. The Boilermakers may have to be more of a threat throwing the ball more than a few yards down the field to keep CMU honest against the run. The Chippewas picked off four passes last weekend. Purdue's top weapon among its wide receivers last season, DeAngelo Yancey seemed out of synch with Danny Etling in Week 1. He needs to do a better job getting open, for one thing. purdue running game vS. central michigan ruSh deFenSe If the opener showed us anything, it's that Purdue's going to have to run — and make big plays doing so — to be effective offensively. Central Michigan will try to take it away, as will most others from here on out. Raheem Mostert's coming off a near-150-yard game. He's Purdue's workhorse, apparently, but Akeem Hunt could be its game-changer. central michigan paSSing game vS. purdue paSS deFenSe Central Michigan is going to emphasize the run, so Purdue must be careful to not give up anything big off play-action. Problem for the Chippewas is that their biggest weapon, Titus Davis, might be out after hurting his knee last weekend. Purdue could really stand to generate more pressure up front, which could be a year-long theme. If Titus Davis doesn't play, those who know Central Michigan believe it would change the entire complexion of the Chippewa offense. Be on the lookout for No. 84 during pregame warmups. central michigan running game vS. purdue ruSh deFenSe Week 1 showed us Purdue still has a long way to go as a defense against the run, cause for concern as Central Michigan brings in a traditional Big Ten-style physical running game led by a massive line. The Boilermakers did not control the line against Western Michigan. This challenge is a greater one. Purdue will want to have more of a presence collectively at the line of scrimmage, and it can start with its powerful nose tackle, Ra'Zahn Howard, who doesn't have to make tackles as much as he needs to make an impact. Special teamS Purdue's special teams debuted well, with Paul Griggs making three field goals and Frankie Williams impacting the game as a return man. Central Michigan will badly miss Davis as its punt returner if he's out. Purdue's new kickoff man, Ian MacDougall booted seven touchbacks Saturday. The Boilermakers totaled six all of last season. boilerS prediction chippewaS The matchup might be a difficult one with Central Michigan built to attack Purdue's prime vulnerability, the running game, on defense and likely intent to take away its foremost strength, the running game, on offense. But we'd expect improvement from Week 1 to Week 2 on the Boilermakers' part. They'll need it. 23 27